By Kirk Drake | August 28, 2013

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Using Virtual Desktops vs. Physical PCs? (Updated!)

If you are evaluating the benefits and potential drawbacks of moving to a virtual desktop, this blog is for you. In most of the ways we use our computer, virtual desktops and PC’s have more similarities than differences. The interface is basically the same: it looks like Microsoft Windows because it is Microsoft Windows. Cloudworks’ virtual desktop looks like Windows 7, same start menu, same background, and same icons. It also runs the same applications. Therefore, running your apps and completing your work on your virtual desktop and your PC should be the same experience. In fact, if someone walked up behind you and looked over your shoulder while you were working, they wouldn’t be able to tell whether you were working on your local PC or a virtual desktop.

Similar Yet Different

Physical PC’s

While similarities between your local PC and a virtual desktop exist, as discussed above, there are also major differences. Your PC is a single device in one location. If your PC is installed at your office, that is where you can use it. Getting to your PC remotely requires special software and you will have to leave your PC running when you leave the office in order to access it. The tools required to access your PC remotely also tend to have other drawbacks and potential security vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, if your PC is new, it should have plenty of horsepower to run what you need it to. However, if it’s old, it may struggle with some of the newer applications. If you run out of disk space, you’ll need to order another drive and have it installed. Your PC will also need to be patched, backed up, and managed. This type of desktop support represents a big IT expense for most businesses. On the other hand, if you have a laptop, you have the ability to carry it with you and work at home or while traveling. However, the portability of the device makes backup, management, and security much more difficult.

Virtual Desktops

A virtual desktop is available from virtually anywhere over an internet connection. You can log on with a PC, Mac, Laptop, iPad, smartphone, or a terminal. However, because you are running the virtual desktop at a data center, none of your data resides on the local device. So, if you lose your device or it gets stolen, your data is not at risk. The virtual desktop is backed up, patched, and managed by the provider. If you need more storage or a new app, you can log into the control panel and add it. The next time you log in, it will be there for you. However, the one major drawback of a virtual desktop is that it requires an internet connection. If you don’t have internet service or your internet service goes down, you can’t access your virtual desktop. Therefore, having a reliable internet connection is critical.

Comparing Costs

So you’re thinking about going virtual? An important component to consider is the cost. Comparing costs between running virtual and traditional PC’s depends predominately on how much you are spending now. In most cases, customers do not move to a virtual desktop after buying brand new PC’s and purchasing the latest version of Microsoft Office. Most who switch are running older PC’s and older software. Those customers choose a virtual desktop as an alternative to spending a substantial amount of capital on new equipment and software. You also need to consider the labor required to manage your organization’s PC’s and the value of the productivity gained by your employees’ ability to work from anywhere. Finally, there is the value of the backup and security benefits that virtual desktops offer. So, an apples to apples comparison between the costs of moving to a virtual desktop vs traditional PC’s is difficult. In some cases, a virtual desktop may appear to be more expensive if you only compare the costs to what you have spent in the past. This is extremely misleading. You certainly can’t duplicate the benefits of a virtual desktop for less than what most providers charge. You receive a lot of features and benefits for the money of moving to a virtual desktop. So, the value question for your organization needs to center around how important those benefits (security, backup, accessibility, support and reliability) are to you.

Are you interested in what applications are easily supported in virtual desktops? Do you have concerns about how you could migrate to the cloud? If so, please e-mail us at info@ongoingoperations.com or fill out our contact us form for more info.